Guest Post: How to Have a Writing Career Without Writing off Your Significant Other

How to Have a Writing Career Without Writing off Your Significant Other

I’ve often been asked how I’m able to write books, stay in shape, spend twenty hours a week, driving three-hundred and fifty miles a week, to a full-time job, and take care of a home and a husband. Well in three words, “It’s not easy!” and if I had children or pets, it would be virtually impossible. It’s all about time-management and I’ve been blessed with great TMS (time management skills).

Writing books is the easiest and third most pleasurable thing in my life. I have to say my husband gets the number two spot when it comes to thrills and God of course gets top billing. I love writing and once I get an idea, it just flows, so I don’t have to spend a lot of time looking at a blank monitor. Moreover, it doesn’t take long for me to be inspired. When I have a writing assignment or I’ve decided to embark upon a new novel, I make sure I spend the majority of my time involved in these activities when my husband isn’t home. Home is basically where I write. Believe me, if I could, I would write during the hour I spend on the elliptical at the gym in the morning, instead, it’s easier to read. And if there was any way I could write during my commute, I would, but I don’t think my fellow commuters would appreciate that, and once I get to work, my employer expects me to do what I’m paid to do, not what I love to do.

Thank goodness my husband has interests of his own. He also has a full-time job, helps take care of his elderly mother, and is very involved in his music. So when I have the house to myself, I go at it. This works out well, but I have to admit, there are times when I’m on a row and he comes home and wants my undivided attention. He knows what I’ve been doing while he was out, so he expects to get my time. I pull myself away from the computer and spend time with him. We love to watch reruns of All in the Family while we eat dinner. I was surprised to learn my husband had a thing for Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) of all people, but like me, he appreciates the controversial storylines and the writing, well the storylines are no longer controversial, but four decades ago, topics such as racism, homosexuality, rape, breast cancer, to name a few, were beyond taboo.

Last night, we saw an episode wherein Gloria (Sally Struthers), wanted her husband Michael (Rob Reiner) to say he would give his life to save her if they were ever in a life or death situation. Michael was more focused on eating his sandwich then answering Gloria. She finally got him to say he would die for her. While watching the show, in between laughs, I remembered my husband once telling me he would die for me. I got a warm feeling all over and was glad at that very moment that I was sitting up under him and not at the computer.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights! Readers, if you missed my review, you can check it out here and you can also check out all of the other tour stops at: